About this episode
Jim Messina has had one of the most remarkable and influential careers in American music.
As a member (and producer) of Buffalo Springfield, he helped shape one of the defining bands of the late 1960s before going on to form Poco, where he became one of the architects of the country rock movement. He later teamed with Kenny Loggins to create Loggins & Messina, one of the most successful and beloved duos of the 1970s, producing a string of enduring hits including "Danny's Song," "Your Mama Don't Dance," "House at Pooh Corner," and "Thinking of You."
But Messina's impact extends far beyond the spotlight. An accomplished producer, engineer, songwriter, and guitarist, he played a pivotal role behind the scenes, helping refine the sound of artists ranging from Buffalo Springfield to Loggins & Messina while earning a reputation as one of the era's great musical craftsmen.
In this conversation, Jim reflects on his extraordinary journey through some of the most important chapters in American popular music. We discuss the final days of Buffalo Springfield, the creation of Poco, how an intended producer-artist relationship with Kenny Loggins evolved into one of the decade's biggest recording acts, and the stories behind many of his best-loved songs.
He also shares candid thoughts on touring, recording, songwriting, and the lessons learned over more than six decades in music.
Whether you know him from Buffalo Springfield, Poco, Loggins & Messina, or his remarkable work behind the console, this is a conversation with one of rock's true architects.
